Issue link: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/426791
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF MANITOBA On behalf the Province and people of Manitoba, welcome to our capital city of Winnipeg. Born at the junction of two great rivers, Winnipeg has long been a meeting place for travelers in search of adventure. From the historic stone-cut buildings of the Exchange to the colourful mosaic of neighbourhoods that make up our city, you will discover a vibrant urban oasis in the heart of the prairies. Through the year, Winnipeg is alive with festivals and offers inspiring attractions, including the newly opened Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Just moments from the city's centre, come face-to-face with Hudson the polar bear, discover the wonders of nature at FortWhyte Alive, and explore historical sites that tell the story of Western Canada. As the seasons change, rivers and parks transform into a winter playground, offering up kilometres of skating trails, award-winning warming huts, and vibrant winter festivals such as the iconic Festival du Voyageur. While the sites are sure to astound you, it is the warmth of our people that will capture your heart. Winnipeg is a diverse city, built upon a rich aboriginal heritage, a vibrant francophone community, and a burgeoning mosaic of world cultures. Around every street corner, you will find a friendly face welcoming you to visit our diverse collection of restaurants, boutiques, and cafés. Whatever you may be searching for, you are sure to find it here in Winnipeg. We hope that you enjoy your visit and look forward to welcoming you back very soon. Greg Selinger A MESSAGE FROM MARINA R. JAMES 2015 is the perfect time to visit Winnipeg as we have new signature experiences for all to enjoy. The iconic and transformative Canadian Museum for Human Rights puts our city on the global stage as a destination for human rights education. There's also Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill, a comprehensive Arctic species exhibit where you can get nose-to-nose with polar bears and learn about climate change. For those looking to unwind, the new Thermëa Spa offers a unique relaxation experience set in nature using Scandinavian techniques, saunas, and hot and cold pools. More and better shopping awaits from new coveted retailers at Polo Park shopping centre. While here, we invite you to become immersed in Winnipeg's creative landscape of things to see and do. Taste our diverse cuisine created by passionate chefs, stroll through unique neighbourhoods and see spectacular architecture, take in great dynamic festivals and events, or learn about our rich history dating back to the early fur trade era. Whether you're admiring artwork in the Exchange District, skating along the frozen river trail at The Forks in winter, decoding mysteries in the Manitoba Legislative Building on a Hermetic Code Tour, or watching the graceful steps of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, we're confident you'll enjoy discovering Winnipeg's urban chic and modern day gems. Have a wonderful time here in Winnipeg. Marina R. James President & CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR OF WINNIPEG Welcome to Winnipeg! Our hearts are warm and our City is brimming with culture, arts, sports, and entertainment — ready for you to explore. I encourage you to enjoy our lively prairie City in the heart of the continent — explore our vivacious communities, including Corydon Avenue, St. Boniface, and Osborne Village (voted one of the best neighbourhoods in Canada), and make sure to visit our first-rate attractions, restaurants, and retailers. Discover human rights history at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, located at The Forks, an historic meeting place at the heart of the nation for 6,000 years. Learn about polar bears and watch them play at the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, or take in a Winnipeg Blue Bombers or University of Manitoba Bisons football game at Investors Group Field, or catch a Winnipeg Goldeyes Baseball game at Shaw Park. Be at the centre of it all in our downtown Sports, Hospitality, and Entertainment District (SHED) — you can shop, eat, and enjoy a concert, sporting event, or conference at the RBC Convention Centre. On behalf of the City of Winnipeg and my esteemed City Council colleagues, we hope you enjoy your time in Winnipeg. Warmly, Mayor Brian Bowman, City of Winnipeg www.tourismwinnipeg.com 3 WELCOME TO WINNIPEG MESSAGES